Tres Provincias peak

Tres Provincias is a 2,497-meter summit in the Palentina range, standing above the glacial lake of Fuentes Carrionas. The landscape features steep rocky ridges alternating with alpine meadows that shift in color with the seasons.

The peak has marked the boundary between Palencia, León, and Cantabria provinces since Spanish provincial divisions were established in the 19th century. Its height and location made it a fixed point for defining administrative borders.

Local mountaineering groups organize regular expeditions to this peak, following traditional routes that connect multiple summits of the Palentina Mountain range.

The climb starts from Cardaño de Arriba village and involves two river crossings along a steep trail. Starting early is wise, as weather conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.

Winter months bring advanced climbing opportunities with steep slopes near Agujas de Cardaño requiring specialized gear like ice axes and crampons. This transforms the experience into a technical winter pursuit.